New accelerator program to offer free business classes, coaching to Memphis food-service businesses

High Ground Team | Tuesday, February 7, 2023

"The resources and tools provided through the Accelerator will assist any restaurant owner from growth and development to maturity to have the confidence to make the vital decisions to have a successful and sustainable restaurant," says Rhonda Brown. Pexels

What’s happening: A new partnership has launched to better provide Memphis food and beverage entrepreneurs a seat at the table. The Memphis Medical District Collaborative has partnered with Proof Incubator to launch the Restaurant Resilience Accelerator, a free program designed to equip our burgeoning restauranteurs (and food truckers, caterers, et al.) with the skills necessary for starting and maintaining a successful food and/or beverage business.

What it is: The Restaurant Resilience Accelerator is an 8-week program that will offer lessons on such factors as food costing, funding, employee management, marketing, and more. Industry professionals within the Proof Incubator network will also provide one-on-one business coaching and open office hours to participants.

Why it’s important: “The food and beverage industry is vital to our local economy; however, highly impacted due to uncertain times, where many are still trying to get back on track,” says Rhonda Brown, Economic Development Program Manager with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. “Going through the Restaurant Resilience Accelerator cohort will help restaurants address and overcome challenges in assisting them to succeed.”

How it works: The program is available to those Memphians looking to start a business or improve the business model of their restaurant, food truck, catering, or other food-service business. Those accepted will be able to participate in the program for free.

Applications for the Restaurant Resilience Accelerator are due by Friday, Feb. 24, and the program itself is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, March 1. Application information and the application process itself is available online.

What they’re saying: “We’re very excited about this partnership with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative,” says Mike Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Proof Incubator. “Memphis has a vibrant food and beverage culture and we look forward to working side by side with these businesses to increase profitability, refine their operating models, and better connect with customers to make their plans for growth a reality.”

Visit proofincubator.com/memphis to apply today.